Great Inns of Britain

‘Young Pub Chef of the Year’ success at the Great British Pub Food Awards 2010

The Bell Inn at Horndon on the Hill in Essex has continued to impress judges at The Great British Pub Food Awards 2010 by scooping a second consecutive culinary award, thanks to the talents of trainee chef Chris Carter, who was named ‘Young Pub Chef of the Year’.

Last year, The Bell Inn enjoyed a taste of success when Chris reached the final three in the Young Chef category, while Head Chef Stuart Fay and sous-chef Stephen Treadwell, were named ‘ Pub Team of the Year’.

The Pub Food Awards, now in their sixth year, are run by industry magazine, the Morning Advertiser, and attract hundreds of entries from across the UK, with the Young Pub Chef of the Year category offering young chefs aged 20 and under a chance to showcase their culinary talents.

Chris impressed the judges with his menu of Roast Wild Duck with Tortellini of Wild Mushrooms, Fondant Potato, Sautee Baby Gem and Jus. But to win, the 20-year-old had to demonstrate his ability under pressure, and beat the competition in a national cook-off, preparing his dish in front of the judging panel.

The judges said: “We were impressed by the culinary skill and creativity demonstrated by all our finalists and by Chris in particular.

“The future success of the pub industry rests in the hands of rising stars like Chris and from what we’ve seen, it looks like a bright one.”

Stuart Fay, Head Chef at The Bell Inn, was ‘over the moon’ with the award, given to one of his protégés. He said:

“Chris is a quick learner and hard worker and fully deserves this accolade. He follows in a proud tradition of award winners at the Bell.”

"We place real emphasis on nurturing and training young chefs and it satisfying when this is recognised.... and we hope to produce many more young winners in the future.”